She just gave birth minutes ago, and licks amniotic fluid
from her newborn’s body.

I walk toward mother and babe, through high pasture grass.
Morning clouds soften the sun and mountains surrounding
San Rafael Valley, near Patagonia AZ.

Mama warns me with her gaze, “Don’t get too close”.

Gently I say to her, “I am a midwife”.

I do believe mama understands. She resumes licking her newborn.
Slowly I move closer to mama cow and baby calf.

Calf soon tries to get up, stumbles, falls, tries again,
stands…… and begins walking.

Newborn walks to mama’s udder and begins nursing
in the beauty of the valley!

       ~blessed to be present~